Bridge Tip # 18

If  your partner has overcalled,  a new suit by you is not forcing. It  merely shows you would rather play in your suit as opposed to partner’s  or the opponents’. A  jump shift by you should be forcing and show a good.suit. A bid of no trump  over  your partner’s overcall implies no good  fit. With a fit you should cue bid first.  Of course, if there is heated  competition making these distinctions may not be  possible.  Given that you have the cue bid available to show strength  and probably at least a mild   fit in partner’s suit it seems logical to play a jump raise of that suit as preemptive. In rare cases you may cue bid without a fit if you have such a good hand you simply want to find the best spot for a game or even  slam.